Exactly how much caffeine is in your Starbucks Frappuccino?

To the naysayers that claim Starbucks Frappucinos are just milkshakes with no caffeine, we’ve got some “on the contrary” news. Caffeine lovers will be relieved to learn their Starbucks rewards points were not earned in vain. Starbucks’ fun specialty drinks notwithstanding, the core menu has some of the highest caffeine amounts of any coffee chain.

First of all, let’s breakdown down caffeine into milligrams.

The Mayo Clinic says you can safely consume up to 400mgs of caffeine per day.  A standard cup of coffee typically has 95mg of caffeine, 8.4oz can of Red Bull has 83mg, and a 5-Hour ENERGY has 215mg.

CaffeineInformer.com compiled data using information from Starbucks in-store leaflets, their website, and from independent laboratory tests. They report a grande Vanilla Frappuccino has 95mgs of caffeine, as much a cup of coffee. They acknowledge that this a weak amount of caffeine for a 16oz drink.

But if the question is “does it even have caffeine?” the answer is, it sure does.

Now, of course, you can find Frappuccinos with little to no caffeine on the menu. The Vanilla Bean Cream, Strawberries and Cream and White Chocolate Cream Frappuccinos are all caffeine free. A good rule of thumb is if the title has the word “brew,” “espresso,” or “shot”  in it, you’re working with a caffeinated beverage. If the title sounds like a milkshake… it’s probably closer to a milkshake.

And what about the bottled and canned Frappuccinos? Any caffeine in those guys? Yup, about 130mgs. The canned and bottled Starbucks drinks are produced and distributed by PepsiCo with a recipe that keeps the caffeine consistent.

But if you want to be absolutely sure your Starbucks treat is going to give you the jolt you need, ask your barista. Starbucks readily provides the nutritional value, and more importantly, the jolt value of every item on their menu.